10/30/2026
Every parent's worst nightmare just became a reality for my oldest brother and sister-in-law. This post feels wrong to make, and it's so surreal that I almost can't believe what I've seen and what I'm writing right now.
Earlier this week, my niece Kylie, my oldest brother's daughter and the sweetest little girl, passed away at only 15 years old. Of course, something like this is unimaginable and unexpected, but it feels especially unfair that it could happen to Kylie. Kylie tended to be a little shy and reserved when I visited, but she was truly just such a sweet and pleasant person who I could be around forever.
It pains me so bad to imagine poor Kylie through her final moments. I search so desperately for any type of comfort or words of wisdom to soften those thoughts some, but they just don't exist. What happened isn't fair. I just feel so sad. I feel so sad for Kylie's dad, my brother TJ. I feel so sad for Kylie's mom and best friend, my sister-in-law Sydney. I feel so sad for Kylie's uncle, my brother Ryan, who lives with the family. Worst of all, my heart breaks with sadness I can't even begin to understand for Kylie's little sister, my niece Zelda.
The past few days have felt a bit like a daze. It feels like my body doesn't know how to be in a situation like this. It's conflicting because I am so happy to be spending this much time with little Zelda. I love her so much, and I love how pure and whole her heart is. I love hearing her talk about Kylie, and I absolutely hate that Kylie's not here anymore. I feel horrible that I didn't spend more time with Kylie, and I feel horrible that there is no way to help all those devastated by her loss. I just want everyone involved to be able to be happy, but it's impossible. The whole thing feels so helpless.
It's so difficult to accept that poor Kylie doesn't get to keep being herself, living like a 15-year-old should. I'm sorry for such a sad post, but I just want to express what I feel. I don't like having to reduce such a massive happening to so few words, but I truly wish with all of my heart that Kylie rests in peace, that she loved her life, and that she knew how much she was loved.
